Best of Anime 2020
2020 was a devastating year for the anime industry due to COVID-19. However, there was still plenty of anime to enjoy.
Here are some of the best anime 2020 had to offer:
Best Anime of 2020
Anime: Golden Kamuy 3rd Season
Genre: Action, Adventure, Historical, Seinen
Studio: Geno Studio
Season: Fall 2020
Episodes: 12
Introduction
Third season of Golden Kamuy.
Separated from Sugimoto, Asirpa now travels toward the Russian border, focused on discovering more about her and her father’s involvement with the coded tattoos. But Sugimoto is determined to find and protect Asirpa! Along the way, he’ll discover new people, new cultures rich with history, and an unforgiving terrain. Will Sugimoto and Asirpa survive their journeys and reunite?
via MyAnimeList
Honorable Mention: The Great Pretender
Best Art/Animation of 2020
Anime: Jujutsu Kaisen
Genre: Action, Demons, Supernatural, School, Shounen
Studio: MAPPA
Season: Fall 2020
Episodes: 24
Introduction
Idly indulging in baseless paranormal activities with the Occult Club, high schooler Yuuji Itadori spends his days at either the clubroom or the hospital, where he visits his bedridden grandfather. However, this leisurely lifestyle soon takes a turn for the strange when he unknowingly encounters a cursed item. Triggering a chain of supernatural occurrences, Yuuji finds himself suddenly thrust into the world of Curses—dreadful beings formed from human malice and negativity—after swallowing the said item, revealed to be a finger belonging to the demon Sukuna Ryoumen, the “King of Curses.”
Yuuji experiences first-hand the threat these Curses pose to society as he discovers his own newfound powers. Introduced to the Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu Technical High School, he begins to walk down a path from which he cannot return—the path of a Jujutsu sorcerer.
via MyAnimeList
Honorable Mention: Fate / Grand Order
Best ONA of 2020
Anime: The Great Pretender
Genre: Action, Adventure, Mystery, Comedy, Psychological
Studio: Wit Studio
Season: Summer 2020
Episodes: 23
Introduction
A series of unfortunate events has led Makoto “Edamame” Edamura to adopt the life of crime—pickpocketing and scamming others for a living. However, after swindling a seemingly clueless tourist, Makoto discovers that he was the one tricked and, to make matters worse, the police are now after him.
While making his escape, he runs into the tourist once again, who turns out to be a fellow con man named Laurent Thierry, and ends up following him to Los Angeles. In an attempt to defend his self-proclaimed title of “Japan’s Greatest Swindler,” Makoto challenges his rival to determine the better scammer. Accepting the competition, Laurent drops them off outside a huge mansion and claims that their target will be the biggest mafia boss on the West Coast.
Jumping from city to city, Great Pretender follows the endeavors of Makoto alongside the cunning Laurent and his colorful associates in the world of international high-stakes fraud. Soon, Makoto realizes that he got more than what he bargained for as his self-declared skills are continually put to the test.
via MyAnimeList
Honorable Mention: BNA
Best Anime Story of 2020
Anime: Golden Kamuy 3rd Season
Genre: Action, Adventure, Historical, Seinen
Studio: Geno Studio
Season: Fall 2020
Episodes: 12
Introduction
Third season of Golden Kamuy.
Separated from Sugimoto, Asirpa now travels toward the Russian border, focused on discovering more about her and her father’s involvement with the coded tattoos. But Sugimoto is determined to find and protect Asirpa! Along the way, he’ll discover new people, new cultures rich with history, and an unforgiving terrain. Will Sugimoto and Asirpa survive their journeys and reunite?
via MyAnimeList
Honorable Mention: Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 2nd
Season
Best Anime Fight of 2020
Gojou vs Jogo
Anime: Jujutsu Kaisen
Genre: Action, Demons, Supernatural, School, Shounen
Studio: MAPPA
Season: Fall 2020
Episodes: 24
Introduction
Idly indulging in baseless paranormal activities with the Occult Club, high schooler Yuuji Itadori spends his days at either the clubroom or the hospital, where he visits his bedridden grandfather. However, this leisurely lifestyle soon takes a turn for the strange when he unknowingly encounters a cursed item. Triggering a chain of supernatural occurrences, Yuuji finds himself suddenly thrust into the world of Curses—dreadful beings formed from human malice and negativity—after swallowing the said item, revealed to be a finger belonging to the demon Sukuna Ryoumen, the “King of Curses.”
Yuuji experiences first-hand the threat these Curses pose to society as he discovers his own newfound powers. Introduced to the Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu Technical High School, he begins to walk down a path from which he cannot return—the path of a Jujutsu sorcerer.
via MyAnimeList
Honorable Mention: Bercouli vs Vector (Sword Art Online:
Alicization)
Best Anime Moment of 2020
Rachel’s Betrayal
Anime: Tower of God (Kami no Tou)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Mystery, Drama, Fantasy
Studio: Telecom Animation Film
Season: Spring 2020
Episodes: 13
Introduction
There is a tower that summons chosen people called “Regulars” with the promise of granting their deepest desires. Whether it be wealth, fame, authority, or something that surpasses them all—everything awaits those who reach the top.
Twenty-Fifth Bam is a boy who had only known a dark cave, a dirty cloth, and an unreachable light his entire life. So when a girl named Rachel came to him through the light, his entire world changed. Becoming close friends with Rachel, he learned various things about the outside world from her. But when Rachel says she must leave him to climb the Tower, his world shatters around him. Vowing to follow after her no matter what it takes, he sets his sight on the tower, and a miracle occurs.
Thus begins the journey of Bam, a young boy who was not chosen by the Tower but opened its gates by himself. They call his kind “Irregulars”—beings that have shaken the very foundation of the Tower each time they set foot inside it.
via MyAnimeList
Honorable Mention: Kirito’s Awakening
Best Drama Anime of 2020
Anime: Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 2
Genre: Psychological, Drama, Thriller, Fantasy
Studio: White Fox
Season: Summer 2020
Episodes: 13
Introduction
A reunion that was supposed to spell the arrival of peaceful times is quickly shattered when Subaru Natsuki and Emilia return to Irlam village. Witnessing the devastation left behind by the calamities known as Sin Archbishops, Subaru sinks into the depths of despair as his ability to redo proves futile.
As the group makes their way to the Sanctuary in search of answers, Subaru has an unexpected encounter with the Witch of Greed—Echidna. Subjected to her untamed rhythm, he is forced to dive into the spirals of the past and future. At the same time, several mysterious threats set their sights on the Sanctuary, heralding a horrific fate for the hapless people trapped within.
Everlasting contracts, past sins, and unrequited love will clash and submerge into a river of blood in the second season of Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu. Pushed to the brink of hopelessness, how long will Subaru’s resolve to save his loved ones last?
via MyAnimeList
Honorable Mention: Fruits Basket Second Season
Best Slice of Life Anime of 2020
Genre: Slice of Life, Fantasy
Studio: Ajia-Do
Season: Spring 2020
Episodes: 12
Introduction
When Myne learns that the Holy Church is in need of mana for their relics, she sees it as her chance to be cured of her life-threatening mana disorder. After seeing their bountiful library, she throws herself headfirst into the Church’s grasp and begs to join their order. In exchange for her service and her unusually bountiful supply of mana, Myne is given the blue robes of a noble-born apprentice priestess, despite being a commoner. To Myne, all this talk of mana and nobility is trivial, as she now has access to an unlimited supply of books!
As Myne transitions into the next phase of her life in this new world, she soon learns that achieving her dream has come at a heavy cost. Noble society is severe, unforgiving, and fueled by politics and neglect. She must now deal with the class conflict between the noble-born blue robes and the common-born grey robes, the High Priest’s attempts to oust her, and constant behavioral issues from her new retainers. With the help of her family, friends, and the enigmatic Head Priest whose loyalties and motives remain unknown, Myne seeks to overcome these obstacles and continue on the path to becoming her ideal self—the ultimate librarian!
via MyAnimeList
Honorable Mention: Kanojo, Okarishimasu
Best Mystery Anime of 2020
Anime: Yuukoku no Moriarty
Genre: Mystery, Historical, Psychological, Thriller, Shounen
Studio: Production I.G
Season: Fall 2020
Episodes: 11
Introduction
During the late 19th century, Great Britain has become the greatest empire the world has ever known. Hidden within its success, the nation’s rigid economic hierarchy dictates the value of one’s life solely on status and wealth. To no surprise, the system favors the aristocracy at the top and renders it impossible for the working class to ascend the ranks.
William James Moriarty, the second son of the Moriarty household, lives as a regular noble while also being a consultant for the common folk to give them a hand and solve their problems. However, deep inside him lies a desire to destroy the current structure that dominates British society and those who benefit from it.
Alongside his brothers Albert and Louis, the trio will do anything it takes to change the filthy world they live in—even if blood must be spilled.
via MyAnimeList
Honorable Mention: Id:Invaded
Best Psychological Anime of 2020
Anime: Munou na Nana
Genre: Psychological, Shounen, Super Power, Supernatural, Thriller
Studio: Bridge
Season: Fall 2020
Episodes: 13
Introduction
Fifty years ago, horrific creatures dubbed as the “enemies of humanity” suddenly appeared around the world. To combat these threats, teenagers gifted with supernatural abilities called “Talents”—such as pyrokinesis and time travel—hone their powers at an academy on a secluded island.
Nanao Nakajima, however, is quite different from the others on the island: he has no Talent. With many “Talented” teenagers around him, Nanao is often a target for bullying, but even so, he still strives to complete his training. Soon after, two transfer students, the mysterious Kyouya Onodera and the mind-reading Nana Hiiragi, join the class. But just as everyone starts blending as comrades-in-arms, mysterious disappearances begin to threaten the class’s entire foundation.
via MyAnimeList
Honorable Mention: Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 2nd
Season
Best Romance Anime of 2020
Anime: Kaguya-sama: Love is War Season 2
Genre: Comedy, Psychological, Romance, School, Seinen
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Season: Spring 2020
Episodes: 12
Introduction
After a slow but eventful summer vacation, Shuchiin Academy’s second term is now starting in full force. As August transitions into September, Miyuki Shirogane’s birthday looms ever closer, leaving Kaguya Shinomiya in a serious predicament as to how to celebrate it. Furthermore, the tenure of the school’s 67th student council is coming to an end. Due to the council members being in different classes, the only time Kaguya and Miyuki have to be together will soon disappear, putting all of their cunning plans at risk.
A long and difficult election that will decide the fate of the new student council awaits, as multiple challengers fight for the coveted title of president.
via MyAnimeList
Honorable Mention: Yesterday wo Utatte
Best Comedy Anime of 2020
Anime: My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Fantasy, School
Studio: SILVER LINK.
Season: Spring 2020
Episodes: 12
Introduction
Most people would prefer being the protagonist of a world full of adventure, be it in a game or in another world. But, unfortunately, a certain girl is not so lucky. Regaining the memories of her past life, she realizes that she was reborn in the world of Fortune Lover—one of the games she used to play.
Unfortunately, the character she was reincarnated into—Katarina Claes—is the game’s main antagonist, who faces utter doom in every ending. Using her extensive knowledge of the game, she takes it upon herself to escape from the chains of this accursed destiny.
However, this will not be an easy feat, especially since she needs to be cautious as to not set off death flags that may speed up the impending doom she is trying to avoid. Even so, to make a change that will affect the lives of everyone around her, she strives—not as the heroine—but as the villainess.
via MyAnimeList
Honorable Mention: Fugou Keiji: Balance:Unlimited
Best Sci-Fi Anime of 2020
Anime: Deca-Dence
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Adventure
Studio: NUT
Season: Summer 2020
Episodes: 12
Introduction
Far in the future, the lifeforms known as Gadoll suddenly arose as a threat to humanity. The last surviving humans on Earth confine themselves to the Tank, a lower district in the giant mobile fortress Deca-Dence. While the Gears who live on the upper floors are warriors who go out to fight as part of the Power, most Tankers are content to provide support from the backlines, butchering Gadoll meat and reinforcing defenses. Natsume is among those who would rather go to the front lines; undeterred by her prosthetic right arm, she seeks to join the small number of Tanker soldiers who join the Gears in combat.
But despite her peers at the orphanage each receiving their work assignments, Natsume’s enlistment to the Power remains unapproved. In the meantime, she begins a job as a cleaner in an armor repair team led by the hard-nosed and apathetic Kaburagi, who seems to be more than he lets on. Though initially cold to his idealistic subordinate, he soon recognizes in her the potential to upset the status quo of the world. As Natsume’s new mentor, Kaburagi prepares her for the special and unique role as a game-changing bug in the system.
via MyAnimeList
Honorable Mention: Akudama Drive
Best Adventure Anime of 2020
Anime: Eizouken ni wa Te wo Dasu na!
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, School, Seinen
Studio: Science SARU
Season: Winter 2020
Episodes: 12
Introduction
Midori Asakusa sees the world a bit differently. Always having her nose in a sketchbook, Asakusa draws detailed landscapes and backgrounds of both the world around her and the one within her boundless imagination. Even the simple act of doodling on a wall evolves into an emergency repair on the outer hull of her spaceship. She is only brought back to reality by her best friend Sayaka Kanamori. The pair are stark opposites, with Asakusa’s childlike wonder contrasted by Kanamori’s calculated approach to life.
After a chance encounter where the two “save” the young model Tsubame Misuzaki from her overprotective bodyguard, a connection instantly sparks between Asakusa and Misuzaki, as both share an intense passion for art and animation. Whereas Asakusa is interested in backgrounds and settings, Misuzaki loves drawing the human form. Sensing a money-making opportunity, Kanamori suggests that they start an animation club, which they disguise as a motion picture club since the school already has an anime club. Thus begins the trio’s journey of producing animation that will awe the world.
From the brilliant mind of Masaaki Yuasa, Eizouken ni wa Te wo Dasu na! is a love letter to animation, wildly creative in its approach, and a testament to the potential of the medium.
via MyAnimeList
Honorable Mention: Golden Kamuy 3rd Season
Best Supernatural Anime of 2020
Anime: Jujutsu Kaisen
Genre: Action, Demons, Supernatural, School, Shounen
Studio: MAPPA
Season: Fall 2020
Episodes: 24
Introduction
Idly indulging in baseless paranormal activities with the Occult Club, high schooler Yuuji Itadori spends his days at either the clubroom or the hospital, where he visits his bedridden grandfather. However, this leisurely lifestyle soon takes a turn for the strange when he unknowingly encounters a cursed item. Triggering a chain of supernatural occurrences, Yuuji finds himself suddenly thrust into the world of Curses—dreadful beings formed from human malice and negativity—after swallowing the said item, revealed to be a finger belonging to the demon Sukuna Ryoumen, the “King of Curses.”
Yuuji experiences first-hand the threat these Curses pose to society as he discovers his own newfound powers. Introduced to the Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu Technical High School, he begins to walk down a path from which he cannot return—the path of a Jujutsu sorcerer.
via MyAnimeList
Honorable Mention: Gleipnir
Best Fantasy Anime of 2020
Anime: Dorohedoro
Genre: Action, Comedy, Horror, Magic, Fantasy, Seinen
Studio: MAPPA
Season: Winter 2020
Episodes: 12
Introduction
Hole—a dark, decrepit, and disorderly district where the strong prey on the weak and death is an ordinary occurrence—is all but befitting of the name given to it. A realm separated from law and ethics, it is a testing ground to the magic users who dominate it. As a race occupying the highest rungs of their society, the magic users think of the denizens of Hole as no more than insects. Murdered, mutilated, and made experiments without a second thought, the powerless Hole dwellers litter the halls of Hole’s hospital on a daily basis.
Possessing free access to and from the cesspool, and with little challenge to their authority, the magic users appear indomitable to most—aside for a few. Kaiman, more reptile than man, is one such individual. He hunts them on a heedless quest for answers with only a trusted pair of bayonets and his immunity to magic. Cursed by his appearance and tormented by nightmares, magic users are his only clue to restoring his life to normal. With his biggest obstacle being his stomach, his female companion Nikaidou, who runs the restaurant Hungry Bug, is his greatest ally.
Set in a gritty world of hellish design, Dorohedoro manages a healthy blend of comedy and lightheartedness with death and carnage. Taking plenty of twists and turns while following the lives of Hole’s residents, it weaves a unique world of unearthly origin and dreary appearance not for the squeamish or easily disturbed.
via MyAnimeList
Honorable Mention: Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 2nd
Season
Best Action Anime of 2020
Genre: Action, Supernatural, Shounen
Studio: David Production
Season: Summer 2020
Episodes: 24
Introduction
After his confrontation in the Nether with his younger brother Shou, Shinra Kusakabe’s resolve to become a hero that saves lives from the flame terror strengthens. Finding a way to turn the Infernals back into people, unraveling the mystery of the Evangelist and Adolla Burst, and saving his mother and Shou—these are the goals Shinra has in mind. However, he has come to realize that attaining these goals will not be easy, especially with the imminent danger the Evangelist poses.
The Evangelist’s plan is clear: to gather the eight pillars—the individuals who possess Adolla Burst—and sacrifice them to recreate the Great Cataclysm from 250 years ago. Having been revealed by the First Pillar that the birth of a new pillar is approaching, Shinra is determined to protect his fellow pillars from the Evangelist. Thus, the fiery battle between the Special Fire Force and the Evangelist ignites. Together with the Special Fire Force, Shinra’s fight continues as he uncovers the truth about the Great Cataclysm and the nature of Adolla Bursts, as well as the mysteries behind human combustion.
via MyAnimeList
Honorable Mention: Kami no Tou
Best Winter Anime of 2020
Anime: Pet
Genre: Mystery, Psychological, Supernatural, Seinen
Studio: Geno Studio
Season: Winter 2020
Episodes: 13
Introduction
Despite endless research, the human mind remains a mystery to this day. Unknown to the public, there exist special individuals who are able to dive deep into the minds of people and even manipulate their memories.
Gifted with this ability, Hiroki, Tsukasa, and Satoru are among those who use their power to commit crime under the orders of their leader, Katsuragi. The three step into the dangerous territory of the human mind in order to destroy their assigned targets while striving to keep their own minds and memories safe.
via MyAnimeList
Honorable Mention: Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!
Best Spring Anime of 2020
Anime: Kaguya-sama: Love is War Season 2
Genre: Comedy, Psychological, Romance, School, Seinen
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Season: Spring 2020
Episodes: 12
Introduction
After a slow but eventful summer vacation, Shuchiin Academy’s second term is now starting in full force. As August transitions into September, Miyuki Shirogane’s birthday looms ever closer, leaving Kaguya Shinomiya in a serious predicament as to how to celebrate it. Furthermore, the tenure of the school’s 67th student council is coming to an end. Due to the council members being in different classes, the only time Kaguya and Miyuki have to be together will soon disappear, putting all of their cunning plans at risk.
A long and difficult election that will decide the fate of the new student council awaits, as multiple challengers fight for the coveted title of president.
via MyAnimeList
Honorable Mention: Ascendance of a Bookworm Part 2
Best Summer Anime of 2020
Anime: Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 2
Genre: Psychological, Drama, Thriller, Fantasy
Studio: White Fox
Season: Summer 2020
Episodes: 13
Introduction
A reunion that was supposed to spell the arrival of peaceful times is quickly shattered when Subaru Natsuki and Emilia return to Irlam village. Witnessing the devastation left behind by the calamities known as Sin Archbishops, Subaru sinks into the depths of despair as his ability to redo proves futile.
As the group makes their way to the Sanctuary in search of answers, Subaru has an unexpected encounter with the Witch of Greed—Echidna. Subjected to her untamed rhythm, he is forced to dive into the spirals of the past and future. At the same time, several mysterious threats set their sights on the Sanctuary, heralding a horrific fate for the hapless people trapped within.
Everlasting contracts, past sins, and unrequited love will clash and submerge into a river of blood in the second season of Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu. Pushed to the brink of hopelessness, how long will Subaru’s resolve to save his loved ones last?
via MyAnimeList
Honorable Mention: Deca-Dence
Best Fall Anime of 2020
Anime: Golden Kamuy 3rd Season
Genre: Action, Adventure, Historical, Seinen
Studio: Geno Studio
Season: Fall 2020
Episodes: 12
Introduction
Third season of Golden Kamuy.
Separated from Sugimoto, Asirpa now travels toward the Russian border, focused on discovering more about her and her father’s involvement with the coded tattoos. But Sugimoto is determined to find and protect Asirpa! Along the way, he’ll discover new people, new cultures rich with history, and an unforgiving terrain. Will Sugimoto and Asirpa survive their journeys and reunite?
via MyAnimeList
Honorable Mention: Munou na Nana
Best Anime Ending Song of 2020
Anime: Tower of God (Kami no Tou)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Mystery, Drama, Fantasy
Studio: Telecom Animation Film
Season: Spring 2020
Episodes: 13
Introduction
There is a tower that summons chosen people called “Regulars” with the promise of granting their deepest desires. Whether it be wealth, fame, authority, or something that surpasses them all—everything awaits those who reach the top.
Twenty-Fifth Bam is a boy who had only known a dark cave, a dirty cloth, and an unreachable light his entire life. So when a girl named Rachel came to him through the light, his entire world changed. Becoming close friends with Rachel, he learned various things about the outside world from her. But when Rachel says she must leave him to climb the Tower, his world shatters around him. Vowing to follow after her no matter what it takes, he sets his sight on the tower, and a miracle occurs.
Thus begins the journey of Bam, a young boy who was not chosen by the Tower but opened its gates by himself. They call his kind “Irregulars”—beings that have shaken the very foundation of the Tower each time they set foot inside it.
via MyAnimeList
Best Underrated Anime of 2020
Anime: Pet
Genre: Mystery, Psychological, Supernatural, Seinen
Studio: Geno Studio
Season: Winter 2020
Episodes: 13
Introduction
Despite endless research, the human mind remains a mystery to this day. Unknown to the public, there exist special individuals who are able to dive deep into the minds of people and even manipulate their memories.
Gifted with this ability, Hiroki, Tsukasa, and Satoru are among those who use their power to commit crime under the orders of their leader, Katsuragi. The three step into the dangerous territory of the human mind in order to destroy their assigned targets while striving to keep their own minds and memories safe.
via MyAnimeList
Best Antagonist of 2020
Name: Ogata Hyakunosuke
Anime: Golden Kamuy 3rd Season
Genre: Action, Adventure, Historical, Seinen
Studio: Geno Studio
Season: Fall 2020
Episodes: 12
Introduction
Third season of Golden Kamuy.
Separated from Sugimoto, Asirpa now travels toward the Russian border, focused on discovering more about her and her father’s involvement with the coded tattoos. But Sugimoto is determined to find and protect Asirpa! Along the way, he’ll discover new people, new cultures rich with history, and an unforgiving terrain. Will Sugimoto and Asirpa survive their journeys and reunite?
via MyAnimeList